Taro Aso

Taro Aso is Japan's Prime Minister, succeeding Yasuo Fukuda. Aso was Yasuo Fukuda's main political rival within the party and is known for his conservative nationalistic views, especially towards China and North Korea.BBC News: Japan PM in surprise resignation (September 1, 2008) Some of his remarks about these nations have stirred controversy but also distinguished him as a charismatic leader.The Australian: Aso set as besieged Fukuda quits (September 2, 2008)

"From the viewpoint of the spirits of the war dead, they hailed 'Banzai' for the emperor -- none of them said long live the prime minister. A visit by the emperor would be the best."—China DailyChinaDaily: Aso rapped for emperor shrine visit remark (January 29, 2006)

"Japan is one nation, one civilization, one language, one culture, and one race, the like of which there is no other on this earth."—New America MediaNewAmericaMedia: Ghosts of Wartime Japan Haunt Koizumi's Cabinet (November 3, 2005)

"Thanks to the significant improvement in educational standards and literacy (during colonization), Taiwan is now a country with a very high education level and keeps up with the current era."—Japan TimesJapan Times: Taiwan colonization was 'good': Aso (February 5, 2006)